NBC: Obama picks Panetta for CIA director

Why am I not suprised by that reply.

Leon Panetta?? Surprise pick for CIA director is certainly right on this one. Is Obama running out of friends and acquaintances who are at least semi-honest?

We just had a President with no experience, intelligence, carrissma and thoughts so why should this bother anyone!  Obama is a politician so why is this suprising anyone.  They all give the speaches to get in and then once in they forget.  No matter who was going to get in they are still run by the powers to be so why are we suprised.  We'll be in Pakistan, still be depending on the Arab oil, still controlled by the food, oil and money barons so why suprised.  I'm suprised that eveyone is suprised as though something else was going to take place.  It's no grease as usual and we should be use to this.  OUCH!

Correct about Obama being politician, props, I'm not surprised, just doing some I told you so's to others.

I will try to say the following without being called racist. If Barack getting elected made the black population and the far left happy, then that's great. They felt all their agendas would now be pushed forward and their lives would suddenly become better. However, Barack is nothing but another politician. He is not some savior of the poor people or the tree huggers or the feminists. His agenda will be more to the left than Bush's, but they are both nothing but politicians.

To say more on props comment about being in Pakistan, if we expand war in Aghanistan, which Barack has said he would do, we will have to have troops moving across the border into Pakistan, because that's where taliban is. They move back and forth across border of Afghanistan and pakistan.

If Barack and Dem congress dont' want more domestic drilling for oil, don't want more nuclear energy and don't want energy created by coal, we will HAVE to continue to increase imports of oil, because it will be decades before any other feasible alternatives of any significance are available.

Barack the Clinton wooden puppet. Is that Obama's nose that is growing?

May be i had a drink too many this new year eve ..or may be i am just confused ...but who won the elections ? Obama ? or Hillary ? ...hic....

AMEN!!! :-)

"Panetta was a surprise pick for the post, with no experience in the intelligence world"

Just what we need at this critical time.

The blind leading the blind.

I think this brings a cetrain symetry to the White House, Panetta has no experience with Intelligence, and obama has no intelligence about experience.  And as for feinstein, WHO CARES?

Panetta was chief of staff during the Clinton Administration; a period in our history where we forgot to keep tabs on what was happening in the world, and led to numerous terrorist attacks on the US interests with no punishment being handed out.  Ronaly Reagan knew what to do to the Lybian military dictator Qadhafi to stop his messing with the US, Bush 41 thumped Hussein on the gourd, but clinton just chased skirts and ignored the long-term safety of the US.  We paid for it in the aftermath, and now we will see it again.  Bush 43 knew how to deal with the rabble of the world.

darrell

"If Barack and Dem congress dont' want more domestic drilling for oil, don't want more nuclear energy and don't want energy created by coal, we will HAVE to continue to increase imports of oil, because it will be decades before any other feasible alternatives of any significance are available."

Well said. But you overlooked one other option. Triple our energy bills by forcing our carbon emissions down with legislation, making solar and wind affordable. Never mind that for every ton of carbon emissions we save, China and India will emit 20 more tons by using cheap coal. In fact, coal for them will be even cheaper than now because our usage will drop, creating more supply for them.

Of course, this will cost us millions of jobs, but it IS "green".

mrindia #1.6 - LMAO.  As Larry the Cable Guy would say, "now that right there is funny, I don't care what you say."

While I believe it would have been better to pick someone who has some background and experience in the itelligence community Panetta has strong organizational skills and great management experience. He will need to surround himsef with experienced itelligence officials who will challenge him and give him both the good and the bad information he needs to make the right decisions.

A completely idiotic  pick.   Obama is off his rocker.

Panetta couldn't find a needle in a haystack if he had a magnetometer.

Jeeeeeezzz------ I thought this country could never find another Jimbo Carter.

Unfortunately, this one comes with a tan.

Obama, your mouth has caught up with your incompetence.

"Panetta was a surprise pick for the post, with no experience in the intelligence world"

I thought Obama was about change! The only thing that was a change was he was elected. Now I was alarmed when he appointed Hillary to her position, but now he has appointed this man who has no experience in the intelligence world! It seems like he is getting advice from the Clintons as to who to pick. Wait a minute, maybe this is a cover up and Hillary really won!! This new team is really starting to cause a lot of alarm!! No experience + Clintons = Disaster!!

Where is the change going to come from? He is already showing lack of judgement and he is not even in office. 2009 the year of what?

Panetta was on the Iraq Study Group in Dec '06, they basically recommended withdrawl at a low point in the effort, in Feb '07 we started the surge and in Dec '08 we are starting a winning withdrawl. And now the guy who recommended coming home in defeat is going to run the CIA?

If Barack and Dem congress dont' want more domestic drilling for oil, don't want more nuclear energy and don't want energy created by coal, we will HAVE to continue to increase imports of oil, because it will be decades before any other feasible alternatives of any significance are available.

Anyone who thinks we should have nuclear energy when the rouge countries use 'energy' to disguise nuclear weapons, is listening to Rush too much.

Anyone who thinks we need more coal mining since it is soo safe and soo cost effective isn't watching the same commercial the rest of us are.

Anyone who thinks it will be decades for new technology obviously doesn't like anything Europe does.

This is the 21st Century.  We may be old, but at least we are smart and not hanging onto Rush's words like they are from the bible or something.

The only good news about this is that Philip Berg of Obamacrimes.com finally will get not one but two conferences, 1/9/09 & 1/16/09, with the USSC.  Maybethey can stop the madness, idiocy, ETCERA!

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
It appears President-elect Obama forgot to tell the incoming chairwoman of the Senate intelligence committee about Leon Panetta as his choice to head up the Central Intelligence Agency.

Here's the statement from Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office:

" 'I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta to be the CIA Director. I know nothing about this, other than what I've read,' said Senator Feinstein, who will chair the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in the 111th Congress.

" 'My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.'"

OOPS!

This pick actually makes sense. Panetta may not have proper experience in the intelligence world but, he was Bill Clinton's Chief of Staff. He couldn't have done that job if he weren't sneaky, didn't have an intense network of informants to get the dirt on those wanting to show the Clinton's for who they really are and could keep secretes about what was going on under Bills Oval office desk. The choice makes sense although as you said, no change from the Clinton Era.

Of course he may have trouble even staying within the loose confines of legality.

That would depend on your definition of "legality."  Remember he is one of the Clinton gang so who knows. I am somewhat surprised that Obama didn't appoint his illegal Auntie as CIA Director, she at least has experience in hiding and other illegal activities.

Panetta's ties to the Public Policy Institute will sink his ship as the CIA director.  They are too well known in D.C. as communists full of KGB operatives.

Obama is the most scandal ridden president elect in history,  that's a fact, Period.

Darn straight Dave...this is such a joke. Change my butt...why couldn't people see this coming? Must have been the glow from O's halo. He has not one new and original idea in how to run anything...so he runs to Clinton's croonies. How long before others see his sham...

The only reason scandals are happening is because  Republican sore losers are doing everything they can,24-7,to find every thing they can possibly use,no matter how illogical and far-fetched,to smear Obama with. 

standingwave, are you serious? Are you still smoking the wacky weed? Clearly you are!!!!! The Republican sore losers? Even Dems are questioning his choices lately.

standingwave - Please come on be serious.  Obama ran his campaign for change.

I seriously doubt that the Republicans are sore losers, but so far Obama lied and there is no change coming. So far all I see is the Clinton Adminstration all over again and I for one do not see this as the change that this country needs.

Leon Pannetta really is change..small change! Pennies, nickels and dimes. CIA cannot tolerate ineptitude, even honest ineptitude through inexperience! Please, most of you Dems love the USA even with all its faults. Make this not happen. There are dozens of retired Generals and Admirals from which to choose!

I think the corruption is not anything the GOP is doing, just the reality that the media was not willing to print until they had their 'chossen one' elected.

Politics sucks, and we have let it happen by not voicing our disgust for it all.

standingwave,

the fact that the pe comes from chicago means the taint, questionable choices and scandals are merely self-fulfilling prophecy.  they were there, those of us who broke the addiction to the msm knew about them and tried to warn you.

but it's tough when the msm in this country was so in the bag for obama. the only serious and tough questions he heard were from rick warren.

The whole Obama Kumbayah gaffe is a joke.

Hang on to your wallets.  Hang on to your gold.

Your dollars are now worth nil.

Welcome to the new world of hissing liberal ass-farts.

"Panetta was a surprise pick for the post, with no experience in the intelligence world."

The guy that was nominated was surprised!

Yep. lots on intelligence experience.  Law school graduate turned politcal hack (Congressman).  Did spend two uneventful years in the Army in the early '60's as an officer.  Don't have any idea how you could get out of the Army after two years during the Vietnam war, must have known someone, or other circumstance.

FYI, during that time ROTC officeres only had to serve two years on active duty, then the remainder of their six year obligation either in a USAR or ARNG unit. Sometimes, if the local USAR and ARNG units were full, the officer could complete their obligation in a non unit status.  No monthly meetings, no annual training.

 A draftee also had to serve only two years on active duty, then thew were released to a USAR Control Group.

U. S. Army Retired 

Oh and lets not forget Vice President Elect Biden's comment about Obama being tested and that something will happen 6 months after being President.

I guess we all better brace ourselves, where will the bombs be coming from this time?

within 10 hours of mccain's concession speech, putin announced he was putting nuclear tipped offensive missles in place pointed at western europe and the former soviet colonies on the baltic and in eastern europe. the russkies do this every election to see what the response statement from the PE will be, in order to test his/her mettle.  he failed this one.

now the russkies have cut natural gas to the ukraine in the dead of winter, as political blackmail. no response from the PE.

the north koreans have restarted nuclear weapons processing. no response from the PE.

and if my son is correct, chatter from shadowy corners of the mideast has increased by an exponential factor.

He isn't president, yet!  He hasn't failed anything, yet.

dear poor,

please try to read the entire sentence. if necessary, vyvanse is wonderful for A.D.D., allowing you to read complete sentences. 

now, one more time, in s-l-o-w  m-o-t-i-o-n...

to see what the response statement from the PE will be, in order to test his/her mettle.

It's really not funny anymore. Looks like we are really stepping in deep s!&%

Panetta isn't qualified to manage a Wendy's.

and stock up on the KY gel.

Um, I think Obama is being told what to do and you to appoint.

Are you sure he is not a muslem???? Don B you are right...Lord help us all! I for one believe we all need to be praying for this country like never before!! This is not looking to good.

It's like a manager for Sears applying for a CEO position at NASA, b/c he heard the pay was good. Now he has the job, and I bet he is pooping in his pants.

LMAO

Kristina, your description fits the left wing during the past eight years to a tee! We learned from you, and now we are just doing what you and your mainstream media toadies taught us!

Kristina,

Could you give an example of a thoughtfull choice???

I'm just fine with or without "CHOPE" (change & hope)!! Why didn't he (BO) speak about tax breaks during the election?? These aren't nasty comments, people are just extremely confused by the ways things are developing. If you don't understand that you acting like blind sheep.

Sorry you are so misguided Kistina, if you can't take it, it's your problem.

Leon Panneta is Bill Clinton's former chief of staff.  He has no experience whatsoever with the CIA or even with law enforcement.  How can this be a good appointment?  I get the impression that Barack would rather surround himself with people that he knows rather than with people capable of doing a good job.  The CIA Director is an important post.  Why would anyone give this job to someone so unqualified?

Come on Kristina,he is just filling the cabinet with Clinton hacks...The only one i agree with is Sen Clinton ( no i don't like her i just want her out of NY)...I hope she gets confirmed asap,so she is out of here...Totally worthless as a Senator..

Kristina, you are WAY off base if you think, to quote you, the "extremely right-wing, very devisive types" are the only ones who don't like Obama's choices. See below article from ABC.

++++NOW Among Groups Frustrated Over Makeup of Obama Team
By EMILY FRIEDMAN
Dec. 19, 2008

Once optimistic at having helped elect a president who promised them change, several liberal groups are now feeling slighted by President-elect Obama in his recent selections for his Cabinet as well as his decision to invite Pastor Rick Warren to his January inauguration.

Women's groups, gay rights organizations and environmentalists have spoken out against Obama's appointments and are fueling conversation that the president-elect is overlooking those who helped him win the White House. +++++

Problem is that Obama is running out of friends and acquaintances who are at least semi-honest.

I don't think Panetta was a horse judge!!!!!

What has he done? Gone to Hawaii on vacation.

Kistina,

Sorry but had Richardson been properly vetted Mr. Obama would have known his choice is likely to be indicted. And now he's picked someone with Zero, zilch, none, zip qualifications for a critical position to gather intelligence about our enemies abroad? This guy couldn't even (supposidly) figure out that his boy slick willie was playing around with an intern in the oval office right under his nose.

Yeah, very thoughtful....

Kristina,

I agree with you about President- Elect Obama. Don't listen to all these people.  If you read these posts very often you know where most of them stand, and they were not Obama supporters to begin with.  No matter what he does,  in their book it is going to be wrong, so don't waste your time, they will insult you for having a different opinion.  Personally, if Mr. Obama uses a lot of the same people that Bill Clinton used, it will be fine with me.  The world was a little saner, the country a little richer when he was in charge.  

Not to worry.  Won't he be in charge of the same people that will be guarding his daughters? hmmm.

I would have thought he would have been vetted before he ran for the Democratic primary for President.  So I don't think Obama is at fault for this.

verno, why? There is no vetting to run in the primary. That's part of the 'fun' of the primaries is to vet the contenders. Besides, the investigation has been going on for some time. Suddenly Obama finds out? Ummm, he didn't look very hard did he?

Palin was vetted by the media, but Obama and Richardson weren't. I think we found out everything about Palin's past and everything about the Wasilla City Council, but I've still got a lot of questions about Obama and his Chicago connections.

Philip Seymour Hoffman for CIA director

Kristena and Catydid, quit drinking the koolaid, wake up and smell the coffee. This is not change, just more of the same Clintonites

Kristina, pull your head out of that dark place you keep it and open your eyes.  More than a few of the comments on this site and the political world are coming from democrats as well.  Panetta was totally clueless about Clinton's cigar smoking techniques, and we're supposed to trust him with the primary intelligence organization and OUR national security.  This is a really, really bad joke.  And so far no one has had to dig very deep to find dirt.

Why would any of you waste time answering a liberal idiot named Kristina?

Barry has blown it.

Hillary SoS-  any agreement she makes will be secondary to a stipend paid to the Billary Library Foundation.

Panetta- will need a GPS to find the CIA.

Too big loser choices.

Makes you wonder WHO is advising the annointed one?

Bill is on the sideline, watch for a second time for an ex-president to occupy a seat on the U. S. Supreme Court.

As Bill Gelispie use to say, "Lord, help us all." 

Damn. I had to look that one up. William Taft was the one. I thought I knew my history, I need to go back and read some more.

Thanks for the lesson.

Now that would make some sense

jackd - You just said a lot. Christina above said everyone posting here is right wing. I read a lot of the posts here on newsvine and the majority seem to lean left. I am middle but did not vote for Obama on the fact that he is much too young and inexperienced to run this country. McCain wasn't the best for the job either but we would have seen a lot more change with McCain. Obama has a awful lot to learn very quickly. I hope he's up for the job. I do wish him luck but I am not holding my breath for change.

jackd,

nah, obama would never pick someone like norris. he has the best interests of the country at heart, believes in hard work and accepts responsibility for his snafu's.

Chuck Norris for CIA director?   Nah.  Liam Neeson, I understand, does a fine acting job as a former CIA agent in "Taken."  You don't want to overlook Tom Cruise, who in "Valkyrie" showed true courage.  He'd make a fine Secretary of Defense.

Seriously, Panetta might be a smart choice here.  The major part of the job is organization and coordination, something sorely lacking in the past--we remember the past criticisms of how the agency operated.  Since the actual gathering of information is the job of the trained agents, a person of Panetta's networking background might well help avoid repeating the past shortcomings of the organization.  A CIA insider may have agency skills, but those needed for proper coordination might be different.

Let's not rush to judgment.

Mimi, if you're not a lib then by their (the libs) definition you're a right-winger.

We are back to if you are not part of the solution you are the problem again!

These jackasses don't know WHAT the problem is------to wit- look at the choices for problem solvers-  losers.

He had the same experience as Bill Clinton and the same intelligence information.

If that is your argument then Sara Palin has more than enough experience to be VP.

Good direction? Boy scouts have good direction. Coordination? football players have good coordination. Morale building? experience and knowledge in the field lead to good morale... Vision? of what.

Mimi  u are correct everybody forgets how little experience Clinton had and of course his 8 years showed it but he did get people to work with him or for him in Wall Street expecially still haven't figured why a company that always hs a net loss can have their stock sold for over 100 dollars a share.

SB seems to think Pres Bush went in to deliberaately ruin the country when if the media had not been so vindictive and the fact that you needed 60 votes during his administration to pass laws as they still do in this one why do u suppose they spent so much money trying to get 60 Democrat senators of course they have the two Rep women from Maine that always vote with them so they reAlly have 61 votes

Here we go with the Commander in Chief line. Only a few presidents in our time have had serious military experience to "be" Commander in Chief.  If the framers of the Constitution did not make the President that individual, we would be having military coups every 2 years(tongue in cheek). Not that is the only qualification, but they lived and know what sacrfices the military does make.

You have to admit this choice is out there. A lot of people were surpised. I would like to know what other names were under consideration.

he wanted to keep the current director but moveon.org, dailykos.com, and huffington post all nixed that choice.

think about it. Who would he be getting advice to pick?

1) Obama could go with Kerry, Reid, Pelosi, Bonnie Fwank, Dodd, or others he knows from Congress. Although we heard so much about Bush's 30% approval rating, the approval rating for congress was half of that.

2) He could pick some of his old friends from Chicago, of which he's got a few on board already. Probably hard to find enough even semi-honest ones though. I'm assuming Rev Wright, Ayers and Pfleger weren't considered for anything, and Rezko already had another gig going.

3) He could go with old Clinton administration people. Obama won't have the loyalty he'd like, but at least he may have a small amount of experience to draw on.

IMO, it was going with the lesser of three evils.